Notify the HSE about starting a food business

By law, you must notify the HSE before you start operating a food business.

Notify the HSE

Use the National Environmental Health Service (NEHS) online to notify the HSE.

Before you start

Information you need:

• type of food business operator you are (registered company or sole trader)
• business name, address, email address, and contact number
• premise type (e.g. a building, stall, vehicle)
• commencement day
• details about any other food businesses you operate within the Republic of Ireland

What happens next

1. The HSE records the date of receipt.
2. An Environmental Health Officer (EHO) assesses the notification. Someone will contact you if your information is incomplete or inaccurate. You will need to provide the missing details to comply with legal requirements.
3. Your food business details are entered into the food business register and assigned a unique reference number.
4. You will receive an Acknowledgement of Notification of Food Business Establishment letter.

If the information you provided is invalid we will write to you and let you know that your business does not qualify as a food business.

Changes to your business

Notify the NEHS if:

• your business changes activities, so that we can update the register
• your business closes or stops trading so that we can remove your business from the register

Failure to notify

If the HSE becomes aware that a food business has not submitted a notification:

• You will be advised that this is an offence under Regulation 6 of the EC (Hygiene of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2006 to 2020.
• Enforcement action may be taken against you as food business owner.

What you need to know

Registration is mandatory under Article 6(2) of Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 before starting any food business, including those operating from home.

Most food businesses register with the HSE, but some may need to register with the Department of Agriculture or the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority.

Businesses handling foods of animal origin (e.g. meat, poultry, and fish) may need approval rather than just registration.

We advise early contact with the registering authority to ensure your premises and operations meet food hygiene legislation requirements.

The Food Safety Authority has more information about starting your business.